Dhaka: A unique initiative titled 'Floating Market in Exchange for Waste' has been launched jointly by the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) and Bidyanondo Foundation to help free the Buriganga River from pollution and raise public awareness about waste management. The programme was formally inaugurated at the Sadarghat Launch Terminal today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, speaking as the chief guest, DSCC Administrator and freedom fighter Md. Abdus Salam highlighted the historical significance of the Buriganga River, emphasizing its role in the growth of ancient Dhaka as a hub of trade, commerce, and communication. He expressed concerns over the river's current state, threatened by illegal encroachment and indiscriminate waste dumping. Salam stressed the importance of saving the river to secure a brighter future, acknowledging that while the problems facing Buriganga cannot be resolved overnight, the initiative aims to spread environmental awareness among riverside residents, traders, and the general public.
Salam noted that since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took office, there has been a special emphasis on making the rivers surrounding Dhaka, including the Buriganga, Dhaleshwari, Shitalakkhya, Balu, and Turag, navigable. He stated that relevant ministries have been instructed to take measures to revive these rivers.
The DSCC administrator announced a three-month special campaign focusing on cleanliness and dengue prevention, with cleaning activities to be conducted daily across all 75 wards and special drives every Saturday. He warned that strict action would be taken against officials found negligent in their duties, and legal action via mobile courts would continue wherever Aedes mosquito larvae are detected.
Outlining plans to transform waste into resources, Abdus Salam mentioned that under the prime minister's directives, initiatives are underway to recycle waste and produce electricity, gas, compost fertilizer, and diesel. He expressed hope that the initial stages of these activities would be reached within the next few months, reducing scattered waste.
Salam emphasized the need for public awareness to prevent dengue and chikungunya, attributing the increase in dengue cases to people's negligence. He urged citizens to ensure water does not remain stagnant for more than three days in areas like coconut shells, air-conditioner outlets, rooftops, or drains, and called for public support to build a clean city.
At the inaugural event, waste collected from the Buriganga banks was exchanged for essential household goods at the DSCC's temporary floating market. A launch was decorated and converted into the temporary market for the programme. The event was attended by Dhaka-7 constituency lawmaker Hamidur Rahman, DSCC chief executive officer Md. Khairul Rahman, chief waste management officer Air Commodore Md. Mahabubur Rahman Talukder, senior DSCC officials, and local dignitaries.